Description
This recipe offers a unique blend of sweet, smoky, and nutty flavors, transforming ordinary chicken into a gourmet meal. It’s relatively easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner while being impressive enough for a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the floured chicken breasts. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Carefully pour the bourbon into the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the maple syrup, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce and pecans over them. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to heat the chicken through. Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the bourbon with an equal amount of chicken broth or apple juice, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or roasted asparagus.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American